Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Toledo City Council hears debate on proposed pet sale regulations

TOLEDO -- Toledo's
City Council heard arguments Tuesday for and against a proposal that would
regulate the "sale of dogs and cats" by retail businesses.

Both sides were represented at the forum, but those in favor
of the legislation were the majority of those in attendance.

Supporters say it would help ensure that unknowing consumers
do not buy animals that may have come from puppy mills.

Some believe the measure would also encourage those looking
for a family pet to seek out animals in shelters, where they are in the care of
rescues and local humane societies.

Several of the animal advocates in attendance contend that
the Franklin Park Mall's "Family Puppy" store gets their
"product" from puppy mills.

It's an accusation that the owner of the store has denied
numerous times and did so again during his comments before City Council
members.

READ: "The Family Puppy" prepares to open at
Westfield Franklin Park Mall

"If you pass this ordinance, what will happen is the
families that would come to our store, that want a good source, that want
somebody that has gone to the breeder that is a good source, they will go
somewhere else," Family Puppy owner John Stottele said Tuesday.

Animal advocate and founder of a LucasCounty dog rescue, Jean Keating
told City Council she researched "The Family Puppy" background and
found otherwise.

"I gave you a packet about a week ago that had some
actual data in it, from 3 of the major suppliers of [The Family Puppy]. I think
you can see the USDA is a government agency and they come in about once a year
to these facilities," Keating said of the conditions reported at the
suppliers.

Keating also pointed out that the ordinance would do more to
help keep animals safe than to hurt local businesses.

According to Keating, around 30 percent of dogs are still
euthanized by the Lucas County Dog Warden despite efforts to get as many
adoptable pets into loving homes as possible.

The proposal, which would allow the adoption of
"companion animals" from certain groups, would also take a stand
against puppy mill practices.